Again today — the third time in less nine days — Ryan will go out for another appointment. The early morning hours were spent getting him and his supplies prepared for the trip. It’s crazy how much must be done for what is otherwise a simple twenty minute examination.
At 7:20 the ambulance transport arrived and we were on our way… yet again.
Today’s appointment is with an eye surgeon to discuss our options for meeting two objectives: 1) Protecting Ryan’s eyes from exposure damage, and 2) Allowing the most visual stimulus possible while doing so. When we left Johns Hopkins last Tuesday I felt comfortable with their recommendation to partially stitch his lids shut. The medical term for this procedure is tarsorrhaphy. Actually, I still do think this is the best choice.
I put a lot of trust in Johns Hopkins, but I felt they came up a bit short in examining him. For example, they only used a cobalt blue light and magnifying glass to view the surface of the eyes. This is fine and can show damage, but not the depth of the damage. For this, a slit lamp is necessary. I just need to convince myself that this is not only appropriate, but the best resolution. Knowing Hopkins could have been done more (easily) leaves doubt in my mind.
I guess what I’m debating is if Ryan’s eyes are getting the protection needed from the drops and ointments, rendering this procedure as overkill. I don’t think this is the case, but I need convinced.
——
Dr. Kevin Scott
We are now back from the appointment. The Ophthalmic Surgeon, Dr. Scott, agrees that the eyes are at risk and a tarsorrhaphy is necessary. Before this, though, he wants Ryan to see a retinal specialist. The logic is sound as to why. He wants to make sure Ryan still has them firmly attached. If not — although unlikely — they can be reconnected before his eyes are partially closed. If, let’s say, the retina is worse than expected then it might be wise to completely suture the eye(s) shut as the retina heals. Dr. Scott is impressive in his knowledge and compassion. I’m delighted to have Ryan under his care.
So… this means we are at least two more appointments away from any resolution.
Dr. Hinkle
For those who live in Northern Virginia, you must know that Dr. Hinkle met Ryan at the appointment today! He was actually filling out paperwork for us when we arrived! He came back with us and participated through the entire examination. Here’s the thing, not only is he incredibly brilliant and skillful, he’s also compassionate, loyal, and humble. I hear this from everyone who see’s him for their eye care. He’s the best.
YEP! Could not agree more. Dr. Hinkle is the VERY VERY BEST. My entire family sees him. He is our hero.
Is this something that is reversable for when his eyes heal? Your lucky you are so near a great hospital.
It is completely reversible.
I don’t live near your area but if I did, Dr. Hinkle would be my family’s eye doctor. Thank God for him and other compassionate Doctors who care abot Ryan’s current condtion. God bless you.
Ken,
This sounds very positive indeed! Thank God for good, wise, and kind doctors!!!! BTW, I’m not sure if Dr. Scott gave you a referral to a retinal specialist, but I can refer you to mine. It’s the Retina Group of Washington: http://rgw.com/doctors. I’ve had two doctors perform two separate retina re-attachments and they were wonderful. Dr. Rivers and Dr. Melamud. There’s a Sterling location which is pretty close to you.
Have a good day and give Ryan a high five from the Liberty fam!!!
Dr. Scott and Dr. Hinkle do have a recommendation (and I think it is Retina Group of Washington). I didn’t pay too much attention since they said they’d get us hooked-up.
Oh good, that’s great news. The Sterling office is a lot easier to get in and out of than the Fairfax office (on Prosperity Drive). Dr. Rivers and Dr. Melamud work in both of these offices. You are in good hands with this outfit.
Hi Ken,
When we were at Meadowlands hospital, they had all the TBI patients wearing the Guibor eye patch. The eye doctor had recommended some patients to have their eyes stitched as well, but the families refused. The eye patch did seem to help keep the eyes hydrated. The patch is clear and you can see through it.
Ah, yes… that makes sense. Dr. Guibor joined IBRF some time back. We did try his eye patch, but had more success with goggles.
They are the best at Hopkins — cannot say enough good things about them!
Ken, Wonderful Ryan has such wonderful, caring Drs, Hope all goes well at specialist and Ryan’s retinas are where they should be. Will be praying for all to turn out right and for Ryan’s eyes to heal. Glad you got out early,99 here now,
Must be hotter there! Always thinking of you all ..STAY COOL!!!!!
love gail
Hmm, I notice something Dr. Scott, Dr. Hinkle and you have in common — you are very handsome! Hey, excuusse me! I am woman — have to find my joy wherever, whenever I can 😉 and Stew says he is taking me back to the home when their power comes back on — and they’re making those danged Kleenex flowers again this afternoon! 🙁
I assume the retina specialist will be at the Wilmer Eye Institute as well. They are the best of the world renouned eye care institutions. Really, Ken, I can’t believe the distance Dr. Hinkle goes for Ryan. What a fine man! Thank you, Dr. Hinkle. And thanks for sharing this post, Ken; you’re the greatest!
Always here with kind thoughts, love and prayers.
Oh heck yeah! I meant “renowned!”
Thank you God for Dr. Hinkle! SHSP
Dr. Hinkle sounds like a gem! As always, thinking of Ryan and all of his family. Hoping things go smoothly today. SHSP
Hi Ken, I don’t think I’ve ever known a doctor like Dr. Hinkle, and I probably never will again. I get choked up just thinking what he does for Ryan. There really are angels in this world.
Thank you for the thorough description about what’s happening with Ryan’s eyes. As always, you are following what sounds to be exactly the right course of treatment for Ryan. Thank God for you.
I hope the rest of the day goes smoothly for both you and Ryan — maybe by the weekend it will start to cool down enough for at least a sunrise/sunset moment outside. This heat wave is kicking up people’s allergies I’ve noticed. Hope Ryan is doing well, and you too, Ken — I have you all in my heart, on my mind, and in my prayers.
Love, hugs, good thoughts, always hopeful and still praying
Paula
Dr. Hinkle — or D-Hink, as I call him — is the best!
Thanking God for such wonderful eye doctors and praying that Ryan’s retinas are healthy and right where they should be, so you can move forward with the partial stitching procedure as soon as possible. We are here to support you all any way we can! Stay cool inside the rest of the day, guys — glad you got that appointment out of the way early. Hugs!